LATE-COMERS FINED

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 48, Issue 2885, 27 March 1939, Page 6

LATE-COMERS FINED

PRACTICE IN SOVIET RUSSIA

DRIVE ON LABOUR SLACKERS

The Moscow radio broadcast a new decree on January Bth ordering automatic dismissal of any Soviet Russina worker who arrives on the job more than 20 minutes late.

The decree, which emphasised the seriousness of the Government drive against labour slackers, directed district prosecutors to see that factory managers enforce the rule strictly.

Earlire, Russia had demanded more work for less money from workers in the machine-building industry.

Victor Lvoff, Commissar of Machine Building, ordered production to be increased by 25 per cent, before workers would be given the normal wage.

He also reduced their piece-work remuneration by 14 per cent, and explained that in 1938 the “salary and wages fund has been considerably overspent.”

The new work-wage scales were to be enforced by February 1.

If a worker produces more than 10 per cent, above the new minimum, he will get a 30 per cent, pay increase; if he produces more than 40 per cent, above the minimum, his pay will be doubled.

At the same time a new schedule of premiums will be established, abolishing bonuses for such things as quality production and care of machinery.

Mr Lvoff observed: “The numerous premiums and illegal additional payments do not increase the productivity of labour.”

The Commissar’s order follows a decree issued on December 28 th which tightened discipline imposed on workers in both offices and factories.

It was aimed especially at “floaters” and habitual absentees.

It provided the vacations would be given only to workers who have been on the job at least a year. Downward revisions were provided for disability pensions and maternity vacations were reduced.